Reading elevation on the Swiss Via Francigena
The shorter day can involve more climbing. SwitzerlandMobility gives Lausanne to Vevey as 22 km with 440 metres of ascent. Orsières to Bourg-Saint-Pierre covers 14 km with 900 metres of ascent. Open each stage’s elevation profile alongside the map before choosing.
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How a lakeside stage gains elevation
Lausanne to Vevey has 440 metres of descent as well as 440 metres of ascent on the published itinerary. At the end of the day those figures balance, but your legs still do the climbing along the way. Compare the total ascent with a day you have walked before, even when both towns sit at a similar altitude.
Read the axes before comparing the shapes
Walking from Orsières towards Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the published figures are 900 metres up and 180 down. A thumbnail can squeeze a whole day into the width of a phone. Check how many kilometres the horizontal axis covers and the elevation range on the vertical one. See where the main climb falls relative to your planned break.
Choose a comparison that fits your experience
Being comfortable with 22 km of flat walking gives you a reference for distance. If you have yet to try a long climb with a full pack, use a familiar local walk to see how the ascent affects your pace. Check the trail surface, season and current local conditions before committing to a date.
Your plan, step by step
- Record distance, ascent and descent in your direction of travel
- Check the scales on both profile charts
- Compare with a walk you have done carrying a similar pack
Continue planning your trip
How to read a British grid reference
Take your walk with you: download Appy
Explore maps, stages and elevation in the app, and plan your train or bus journey.
